Airports project is 'demoralising workforce'
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
A whistle-blower at Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd (Hial) has spoken of the negative impact that plans to centralise air traffic control (ATC) have had on the workforce.
The senior Hial employee, who wishes to remain anonymous, says centralisation plans were greeted by staff with "scepticism" when they were revealed in early 2018, with many thinking that such a plan would "never happen", only to be in total disbelief when the proposal came to fruition.
While the source says the plans have been "steamrollered through", with "complete contempt" shown for the ATC workforce, Hial maintains its staff have been asked for opinions and the consultative process remains ongoing.
The controversial plans will see air traffic control at five airports run by Hial – Kirkwall, Sumburgh, Dundee, Stornoway and Inverness – centralised to a combined surveillance centre, located within Inverness.
The plans, which were set in stone earlier this year, will also bring a downgrade at Wick/John O'Groats Airport and at Benbecula. The plans for Wick were revealed by the John O'Groat Journal last month.
The staff member said: "The same financial model [Hial is planning on using] was mooted in Sweden, the industry leader, but cost reductions have been less than forecast, so the roll-out has slowed, possibly even reversed there.
"Hial has not really listened to the experienced workforce. This shows a complete contempt towards the ATC workforce. We did have a meeting with the Hial board, where ATC issues were discussed openly and honestly, but still the board – none of whom have ATC experience – signed the remote project off.
"I hope it's not too late to reverse the decision, or at least delay it. We agree that modernisation is required but remote towers are a step too far.
"It offers no increase in safety. If cameras are so good, let us have them but leave us physically in the towers.
We are happy to work on surveillance approach and CAS [controlled airspace] but the greatest safety enhancement would be a tower surveillance system, where we can see aircraft in the vicinity, like Flightradar 24 but official, if you like.
"This is relatively inexpensive, and has been a mitigating factor in every airborne safety report in the last eight-plus years.
"I have never seen a more demoralised workforce, knowing that this project is being steamrollered through but no-one is being listened to.
"I have a great deal of sympathy for the younger staff with families who really have no choice but to head to Inverness if this goes ahead, and older officers who will need to retrain and gain a radar rating.
"This is a project based on financial guesswork which, unfortunately, I only see ending one way, the same as other government projects — massively over-budget, massively behind schedule, and with no real safety improvement."
A spokesman for Hial said: "Hial's continued priority is to provide air services. However, we face a number of significant challenges that could affect our ability to continue to deliver our service into the future.
"We require a long-term solution that will address challenges, including staff recruitment and retention.
"From the outset, we have taken the views of our colleagues into account. They indicated Inverness was their preferred option, should relocation be required.
"We continue to maintain an open dialogue with our colleagues and stakeholders as we undertake this significant change management process.
"We appreciate the impact of the programme on individuals and the families, and our focus will be on our colleagues who we shall be consulting directly with to discuss how we can support them with the transition."
